Meat diaper
Absorbent pad in pre-packaged meats. / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A meat diaper or meat absorbent pad refers to the absorbent pad found in pre-packaged meats. Its purpose is to absorb the juices released from the meat during storage and transportation, helping maintain the meat's appearance and reduce spoilage.[1] The case-ready meat almost always contain one or two meat diapers which absorb and retain the "purge", or the juices, blood, and other fluids that seep from the meats which may be unsightly for the consumer, leaks, is messy, and is often contaminated with bacteria.[2]
Chilling meat can help reduce the amount of exudate that's released from the meat, which is also known as drip, purge, or weep.[3] However, it's normal for meat to lose 1-2% of its weight due to this liquid loss, while anything more is considered excessive.[3]
In the United States, meat diapers are Food contact materials and under Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act require a Letter of Guaranty from suppliers to be on file.[4]